General Information

Brief Description

AURORA was established in 1991 through the merger of the Syracuse Association for the Blind (the Lighthouse, established in 1917) and Central New York Association for the Hearing Impaired, founded in 1976. It is the only Upstate New York-area non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting independence and opportunity for individuals who are experiencing a sensory loss. To that end, a full range of rehabilitative and support services are provided by professional and competent staff members who are specialists in their field.

Hours of operation: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.Clients served on average per year: 1,400Number of staff: 51Staff description: Aurora's staff includes professionals in the field of blindness and deafness rehabilitation, (including cultural and linguistic perspectives), social work and employment services.Geographic area served: Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, northern Cortland, and Jefferson Counties. Early Intervention Services are also provided in Tompkins County.Publications: &quot;Dawnings&quot; newsletter published three times a year

Identifies older individuals with severe vision loss, provides information and referral services, and other means of assistance, and assists them in applying for all appropriate programs and services.

Computer Training/Assistive Technology

Provides evaluation and training for individuals who are legally blind on assistive computer technology including speech, braille and large print hardware/software input/output devices

Counseling

Assists individuals and their families in developing coping skills to live safely and independently in the community

Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training

Provides training in skills of daily living.

Employment/Job Training

In conjunction with National Industries for the Blind and the Syracuse VA Medical Center, hires qualified employees with visual impairments to staff the telephone switchboard at the VA Medical Center on a 24 hour, 7 day per week basis. In addition to answering the switchboard and directing calls, Aurora's employees are responsible for coordinating all hospital emergencies and dispatch functions. Provides training in skill building and career exploration and preparation.

Provides instruction in adaptive daily living skills and safe and independent travel. Offers low vision services and some low vision devices for individuals who are legally blind. Also offers outreach services to individuals with visual impairments as the need is identified. Referrals are accepted from individuals, family members, friends, other social service agencies, public programs and area ophthalmologists.

Support Groups

Provides support groups in Onondaga and Cayuga Counties for adults with visual impairments.

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VisionAware helps adults who are losing their sight continue to live full and independent lives by providing timely information, step-by-step daily living techniques, a directory of national and local services, and a supportive online community.